Frog (Xenopus): As Model Organism & In Research
(Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis)
Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis are species of frogs that are commonly used in research. Both species are aquatic and can be easily maintained in the laboratory.
Xenopus laevis, also known as the African clawed frog, is native to sub-Saharan Africa and is widely used in research due to its large size, easy maintenance, and high reproductive rate.
It is commonly used in studies on development, genetics, and disease.
Xenopus tropicalis, also known as the Western clawed frog, is native to West Africa and is similar to X. laevis in size and ease of maintenance.
It is commonly used in research on development and genetics.
Why Xenopus Laevis is Used over Tropicalis for Research
Xenopus embryos develop rapidly, allowing researchers to study the development of various organs and systems over a relatively short period of time.
They are relatively hardy and easy to maintain in the laboratory, which makes them a convenient model organism to work with.
There are many genetic and genomic resources available for Xenopus, including a sequenced genome and a variety of mutants that have been generated through various techniques.
Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis are two closely related species of African clawed frog.
One reason why X. laevis is often preferred over X. tropicalis is that it has a larger and more easily manipulatable egg. The large, transparent eggs of X. laevis are ideal for studying early development and are easier to work with than the smaller eggs of X. tropicalis.
Another reason why X. laevis is often preferred is that it has a more fully developed set of genetic and genomic resources.
For example, the genome of X. laevis has been fully sequenced, and there are many mutants available that have been generated through various techniques.
In contrast, the genome of X. tropicalis has not been fully sequenced, and there are fewer mutants available for this species.
Top 10 Research Facts About Xenopus
Here are some interesting facts about Xenopus:
1. A study on Xenopus in the 1920s led to the discovery that the neurotransmitter acetylcholine was found to be in charge of conveying nerve impulses signifying movement to the muscles
2. Depending on the species, a female Xenopus can generate up to 30,000 eggs; she can deposit thousands of eggs annually.
3. Xenopus eggs are large, transparent, and easy to manipulate, making them ideal for studying early development.
4. Embryos of Xenopus develop rapidly, allowing researchers to study the development of various organs and systems over a relatively short period of time.
5. The genome of Xenopus laevis has been fully sequenced, and there are many mutants available that have been generated through various techniques.
6. Xenopus has been used to study various aspects of human biology, including the early development of the human nervous system and the role of specific genes in human disease.
7. Xenopus has played a critical role in the development of many important scientific technologies, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.
8. Xenopus has been used to study the effects of various environmental contaminants on development and has helped to identify potential environmental toxins.
9. Xenopus has been used to study the effects of various drugs on the developing embryo, including the teratogenic effects of certain drugs.
10. Xenopus has contributed significantly to our understanding of many different biological systems and continues to be a valuable model organism in biological research.
Difference Between Xenopus Laevis And Xenopus Tropicalis
Here are some key differences between Xenopus tropicalis and Xenopus laevis:
Egg size: X. laevis has larger eggs that are more easily manipulatable than the smaller eggs of X. tropicalis.
Genetic and genomic resources: The genome of X. laevis has been fully sequenced and there are many mutants available, while the genome of Xenopus tropicalis has not been fully sequenced and there are fewer mutants available.
Developmental rate: X. tropicalis embryos develop slightly faster than Xenopus laevis embryos.
Chromosome number: X. tropicalis has a diploid chromosome number of 26, while Xenopus laevis has a diploid chromosome number of 25.
Natural habitat: X. tropicalis is native to West Africa, while Xenopus laevis is native to Southern Africa.
Tolerance to environmental conditions: X. tropicalis is more tolerant to changes in temperature and pH than X. laevis.
Overall, the choice between using Xenopus tropicalis or Xenopus laevis will depend on the specific research question being addressed.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Xenopus As A Model Organism
Here are some pros and cons of using Xenopus as a model organism in research:
Pros:
Xenopus eggs are large, transparent, and easy to manipulate, making them ideal for studying early development.
Xenopus embryos develop rapidly, allowing researchers to study the development of various organs and systems over a relatively short period of time.
There are many genetic and genomic resources available for Xenopus, including a sequenced genome and a variety of mutants that have been generated through various techniques.
Cons:
As a species, Xenopus is relatively closely related to humans, which limits its usefulness for studying evolutionary processes.
Xenopus populations have relatively low genetic diversity, which can limit the usefulness of this species for certain types of studies.
It can be challenging to generate transgenic Xenopus animals, which can limit the types of studies that can be performed with this species.
FAQ on Frogs For Research
A. Characteristics of Xenopus laevis?
Some characteristics of Xenopus laevis also determine why researchers are inclined towards laevis more.
Physical appearance: X. laevis is a small to medium-sized frog that is typically green or brown in color. It has smooth, slippery skin and long, thin legs with webbed toes.
Distribution: X. laevis is native to Southern Africa and is found in a variety of aquatic habitats, including marshes, streams, and rivers.
Egg size and development rate: X. laevis has large, easily manipulatable eggs that are ideal for studying early development. Embryos develop rapidly, with most organs and systems forming within the first few days of development.
Genetic and genomic resources: The genome of X. laevis has been fully sequenced, and there are many mutants available that have been generated through various techniques.
Versatility: X. laevis can be used to study a wide range of biological processes, including development, genetics, evolution, and more
B. Life Cycle Of Xenopus Laevis
The life cycle of Xenopus laevis is a complex process that involves both sexual reproduction and development from an egg to an adult.
1. Sexual reproduction: X. laevis are sexually dimorphic, meaning that males and females have distinct physical characteristics.
2. Fertilization: During mating, the male X. laevis produces a spermatophore, a sperm-containing structure, which he deposits near the female’s cloaca. The female then picks up the spermatophore and fertilizes her eggs internally.
3. Egg development: After fertilization, the eggs develop and grow inside the female’s body. The eggs are eventually laid in a clutch, which can contain anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand eggs, depending on the size of the female.
4. Embryonic development: After the eggs are laid, they undergo various stages of development. The eggs hatch into larvae, which then grow and develop into adult frogs. This process takes several weeks to several months, depending on environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity.
5. Adulthood: Once X. laevis reach adulthood, they are able to reproduce and continue the life cycle. Adult X. laevis have a lifespan of about 8-10 years in the wild.
C. How many genes does Xenopus laevis have?
The genome of X. laevis has been sequenced, and it is estimated to have approximately 50,000 genes.
D. Why Xenopus laevis egg extracts are done?
Egg extracts are done on X. laevis for research on the cell cycle, DNA replication and repair, spindle assembly, and microtubule motor activity.
E. How many chromosomes do Xenopus laevis and tropicalis have?
X. laevis have 36 chromosomes and X. tropicalis have 20 chromosomes.